A fresh wave of political violence has hit Imo State as the youth leader-elect of Umusi Olokwa, Stanley Nwoke, was gruesomely murdered on March 15, 2025, just two months after winning the community’s youth election. The attackers, suspected to be linked to post-election disputes, also injured four of his siblings and set nine houses ablaze in a night of terror that has left the community in shock.
The unrest, reportedly fueled by factions opposing Nwoke’s victory on January 3, escalated into a full-blown attack, raising concerns over deep-seated tensions in local politics. Eyewitnesses say the assailants stormed the community under the cover of darkness, targeting Nwoke’s residence before unleashing destruction on homes.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, led a security team to the scene on Sunday, vowing swift justice. A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed that four suspects had been arrested, while others, including the alleged mastermind, Chinaza Nwachukwu, remain on the run.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns this senseless killing and assures the people of Umusi Olokwa that those responsible will be brought to justice. Security operatives are in pursuit of the fleeing suspects, and normalcy has been restored,” the statement reads.
The late Nwoke’s remains have been deposited at the morgue, while his injured siblings are receiving medical care. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Owerri West LGA to prevent further escalations.
With tensions still high and residents fearing reprisals, the call for a lasting resolution to election-related violence in Imo grows louder.
